Cranes in France - Migration and wintering: 2001-2002

	Cranes in France migration and wintering 2001 – 2002 Postnuptial migration 2001 Wintering 2001-2002 Prenuptial migration 2002

Prenuptial migration 2002
Exceptional features this year were 4 flights in the direction of the north-east observed before January 16th: 150 in the Cher (18) on December 31st, 3 in the Meuse (55) on January 5th, 200 in the Charente (16) on January 7th and 15 in the Cher (18) on January 12th . What can be deduced from these observations? The most likely explanation is that these groups were migrating towards the south (flights caused by climatic conditions) and looking for sites to roost. Another possibility is that several local birds had failed to find their roosting place as was the case for the cranes in the Meuse or in the Cher, but this is open to question. The mystery surrounding the fluctuations of birds recorded at Puydarrieux (65) from January 11th also remains unsolved.
First minor movements (16.01.02 - 07.02.02)	During this period, the return flights, although in small numbers, were on a daily basis, only those of January 17th and February 5th 2002 were unrecorded. In the first instance, the usual large numbers of cranes on the Der Lake (51/52) left the site during the second half of January, since there only remained 12,800 birds on the morning of January 26th. However, the majority did not fly to Germany (only 82 were recorded in Hessen on January 26th) and it is assumed that most of them stopped over in the Lorraine where several sites were visited by a large number of birds. On January 26th , 996 cranes were recorded on the Lachaussée pond (55). Unfortunately, lack of data received from this region prevents us from making any precise assessments. During the same period, departures from Aquitaine were infrequent (but involved at least 4,000 birds all the same), the numbers at Arjunzanx (40) rising to 9,422 on January 26th. Finally, the first return flights from Spain were observed on the 25th with large flights reported in the north-east of the Gironde (33) at the end of the afternoon, a very early date in the season. From the end of January, flights became more frequent but in small numbers. The sites in Aquitaine were gradually vacated, the birds stopping on sites in the north-east. Several thousand birds also returned from Spain, some stopping in Aquitaine and others in the north-east. These flights were particularly significant in the Lorraine and on several sites in Champagne where numbers were negligible. On February 2nd, 300 cranes arrived at Billy-les-Mangiennes (55) followed by 430 on the 3rd, 1,370 birds on the Lachaussée pond (55) on February 2nd, and 490 at Vanault-les-Dames (51) on the 4th. In the south-west, numbers rose to 10,585 at Arjuzanx (40) on February 2nd decreasing to 7,808 on February 6th. There were 4 fresh arrivals at Puydarrieux (65) on February 4th, and probably others, particularly at Captieux (33/40). Lack of data and overlapping of various return flights make it extremely difficult to estimate accurately the numbers of cranes returning from Spain, but a total of 4,720 is in any case a minimum figure.
First major dispersed major wave (09.02.02 - 23.02.02)	Throughout this fortnight, return flights intensified; although unspectacular, they were regular and comprised a significant number of cranes. Many birds leaving Spain remained unnoticed in France, probably flying at night or stopping at sites in Aquitaine and mixing with birds already present. However the latter have been few in numbers since the cranes on these sites had been decreasing rapidly throughout this period. On the 9th, 6,901 birds were counted at Arjunzanx (40), 4,136 on the 13th , 3,800 on the 17th, 1,590 on the 20th and 2,108 on the 23rd. The same phenomenon was observed both at Captieux (33/40) with 2,403 birds on the 11th and 787 on the 21st and at Puydarrieux (65) where 182 birds were counted on the 9th , 146 (11th), 142 (18th), 97 (19th) and 118 (23rd). There remained 18 cranes at Cousseau (33) on the 19th and 40 in the Baie de l’Aiguillon (85) on the 21st. Nevertheless, brief stops of one day should not be overlooked, since daily recordings on the sites are not carried out. The birds use the regular migratory routes (please see map n°5) and stops recorded on sites in the centre of France suggest that some of these cranes came from Spain. Thus, on the 16th, 20 birds were counted on two sites in the Vienne (86), 1 in the Creuse (23) and on the following day, 455 birds were recorded: 450 in Brenne (36), 3 in the Vienne (86) and 2 in the Creuse (23). Stopovers are more clear-cut and substantial in the north-east. A maximum of 14,451 cranes on the Der Lake (51/52) was recorded on the morning of the 14th. These birds and later arrivals did not remain for long, since only 2,000 were counted on the morning of the 24th. A maximum of 100 birds was recorded on the Marais of Comy in the Ardennes (08). In the Lorraine, stopovers were mainly centred in the Meuse (55) where a maximum of 300 cranes were observed at Mouzay in the north of the department, on the 17th and 400 birds at Billy-les-Mangiennes on the 16th. Finally, several cranes remained in the south as, for instance, 23 birds, at Aigues-Mortes (30) on the 9th and 6 on the Cercle pond (11) on the 11th and 12th, followed by a small flight of birds observed on the 23rd in the Pyrénées-Orientales (66) the Aude (11) and the Herault (34) In all, these return flights (excluding birds wintering in France) comprised at least 13,670 cranes and perhaps many more unrecorded due to the problems involved in keeping daily records of return flights. Map 5 : Total number of Common cranes during the first wave between the 9st and the 23th February 2002

Second major wave (24.02.02 - 04.03.02)	Throughout these 9 days, the main return flights of cranes took place, principally from the Sotonera site in Spain, amid favourable weather conditions for crossing the Pyrenees. On February 22nd, there were 40,000 birds on this site! As usual, the flights were impressive and intensive over a wide-ranging area of the country (please see map n°6). This year, the return was particularly rapid and involved a large number of departments to the west of the regular flight path due to a strong southerly wind (cranes flying at 120-140 km/hour were recorded by the Germans who had observed the same phenomenon), mainly between the 25th and the 27th. This was particularly noticeable in the Vienne (86), the Indre-et-Loire (37), the Loir-et-Cher (41), the Loiret (45) and to a lesser degree, in Normandy, the Essonne (91) and the Seine-et-Marne (77). While, during the same period, some departments, such as the Allier (03) recorded an incredibly small number of birds. It must be mentioned that on the 26th and 27th once over the Ile-de-France, the majority of these cranes veered towards Champagne rather than flying north towards Picardy and Belgium. In all, the birds crossed 58 departments during this period, 24 of which were crossed by flocks comprising more than 1,000 birds, an unprecedented occurrence. Such rapid and intensive flights were extremely difficult to quantify and accurately record, some birds flying non-stop and others returning to sites in the south-west. The outstanding features of this period are described below. On February 24th, more than 8,000 migrants were observed principally near the Puydarrieux lake (65), where 4,000 birds were recorded at 3 p.m. Numbers on this site rose from 146 in the morning to 1,500 in the evening and 2,771 the following morning. On the same day, there remained only 2,000 cranes on the Der Lake (51/52) in the morning. On February 25th, more than 21,000 birds were in flight, of which 17,560 were observed in the north-east of the Landes (40), some of which had possibly stopped at Captieux (33/40). Other birds crossed the Pyrenees further to the east and were observed over the Puydarrieux Lake (65) and in the Gers (32). Numerous other flights were recorded between the Poitou-Charentes and Champagne-Ardenne. On the 26th, more than 12,000 migrants were recorded, especially during the night, with stops on sites to the west as, for instance, 24 birds on the Cébron lake (79), 22 at Soucelles (49) and 6 in the west of the Orne (61). Migration was clearly visible between the Charente (more than 6,800 birds during the day and 14 flights during the night) and the Ile-de-France. Numbers at Puydarrieux (65) decreased from 344 in the morning to 35 in the evening, indicating that stops on this site drawing to a close. The same phenomenon was observed on the 27th, with more than 11,000 birds on sites in Normandy and in the Vienne (86).The cranes counted on only one site at Pargny-sur-Saulx (51) to the north of the Perthois, give one some idea of the extent of the phenomenon: the 4,500 birds landing at 08.45 a.m were joined by 2,300 migrants for a short recovery period before continuing their flight, while 1,500 birds made the journey non-stop ! At the end of the day, more than 6,000 cranes (probably close on 10,000) arrived in the west on the lakes in the Aube (10). The same evening, there were 600 cranes at Billy-les-Mangiennes (55). On the 28th, another 5,000 birds were observed, this time on the regular flight path, while there remained 1,022 cranes at Arjuzanx (40) in the evening. On March 1st and 2nd, there was a short lull in flight numbers. Nevertheless, 7,000 migrants were observed during this time. Numerous arrivals were observed in the Lorraine, particularly on the 1st, when more than 4,000 birds were recorded on 4 sites to the north of the Meuse (55). The same afternoon, more than 11,000 migrants were observed in Hessen, bearing witness to substantial departures from the sites in the north-east. However since no records were made on the Der lake (51/52) we are unable to clarify the itinerary of these birds. Finally, on the 1st, there remained only 19 cranes at Puydarrieux (65) and 5 on the following day. On March 3rd, significant flights were observed: more than 9,000 migrants, including 7,600 during the afternoon to the east of the Gironde (33). There still remained 10,000 birds at Sotonera in the morning when, at the same time, 1,621 cranes were counted leaving the site on the Der lake (51/52) and 1,300 on another site further to the north at Battancourt-la-Longue in the Perthois (51). Finally, March 4th was the last day of the main migration, involving 6,000 birds, including 3,000 from Captieux (33/40) during the morning, where 4,472 birds had arrived at sunrise. Several arrivals were observed in the Perthois (51), involving 800 birds on 2 sites. An accurate record is difficult to make, due to the dissimilarity in flight patterns. However, an estimated 82,000 migrants were involved ! This return flight configuration appears to have become common practice, since similar records were made in 2000 involving 81,320 cranes between February 20th and 27th. Map 6 : Total number of Common cranes during the second wave between the 24st February and the 4th March 2002

Culmination of main migrations (05.03.02 - 27.03.02)	For the most part, daily migrations decreased considerably. However, on March 6th, there were still more than 6,000 cranes on the Sonotera. These birds had crossed our country on the 10th when more than 5,600 birds were recorded, including more than 4,000 in the Charente (16). Subsequently, the period was uneventful, the main migration dates involving no more than 200 birds. Numerous small groups of cranes were recorded here and there, mainly in the north of France. The remaining 5 cranes at Puydarrieux (65) left on March 10th. On the 18th, 297 birds remained at Captieux (33/40). Surprisingly, there were at least 80 cranes in the Baie de l’Aiguillon (85) on March 20th. In all, the various return flights involved at least 8,330 cranes.
The “Late Comers” (28.03.02 - 26.05.02)	Several migrants were observed between March 30th and May 6th (in the Marne (51) to the north of the Der Lake), with a maximum of 80 birds on April 15th. In all, the latest flights amounted to at least 370 cranes, not including several birds on fairly unusual sites. The last 6 cranes were observed in the Lorraine (Meuse 55) on the Neuf Moulin pond on the 10th, 2 on the 13th and 1 on the 26th, this latest figure concluding the relevant data.
Overview 2001/2002	The total number of prenuptial migrants amounted to at least 149,170 birds including those who wintered in France. This figure is close to the number estimated by our German counterparts (150,000). Bearing in mind the significant autumnal flight underestimation, prenuptial flight records have enabled us to make a better estimation of the 2001/2002 population: about 149,000 birds. Moreover, the accuracy of estimations made for the previous seasons are open to question and it would appear better advised to rely on figures for this season rather than the average for the two previous seasons. Consequently, the new estimations are 145,000 for 2000/2001 and 137,000 for 1999/2000. It should be remembered that these 3 maximum figures were obtained from prenuptial flights where the task appears to be less complicated than in the Autumn when birds often just spend the night in France and for a much longer period, which lessens the chances of detection. In addition, it would seem easier to estimate movements of birds by means of counting on “stop-over” sites (in Spain) rather than that of migrants in Hessen during the Autumn, for instance.
The French Crane Network	Administered by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) Champagne-Ardenne, the crane network includes all the French organisations and associations interested in this bird. The mutual aim of the network is to collect data concerning migrations, thus leading to a better understanding of the bird and enabling the media and general public to be better informed. The network also contributes to the follow-up of the numbers of birds on sites and during wintering, plus collection of data concerning ringed birds. The network also works towards the compilation of data relative to the movements of birds and migratory routes. Finally, the network forms part of the European Crane Working Group (ECWG) and regularly attends the European congress. A sticker has also been designed: “French Crane Network” available from the LPO Champagne-Ardenne, price 2.30 euros plus 0.50 euros postage and packing. The French Crane Network The French Crane Network comprises the following organisations
Ringed Cranes	Each year, many cranes are ringed on their breeding grounds and beforehand on their stop-overs and wintering sites in Spain. Thus each crane is equipped with a coloured ring which enables it to be identified individually. The colours employed are white, yellow, red, dark green, light blue and black. The ring (or rings) on the left leg denotes its provenance; the colours are as follow: (blue, blue/ white/ blue, blue/ red/ blue or blue/ black/ blue) from Germany; (red, red/ white/ red, red/ blue/ red or red/ black/ red) from Sweden or Norway; (yellow, yellow/ red/ yellow, yellow/ black/ yellow, yellow/ white/ yellow or yellow/ blue/ yellow) from Finland; (green) from Poland; (white/ black/ white) from Estonia; (white) from Russia and (white/ red/ white) from the Czech Republic. The “Spanish” cranes were ringed only on the right leg with 3 coloured rings. Watch out for older cranes which may have lost one or more rings. As well as rings, some birds are equiped with a transmitter, either near the rings or on the back. If you spot a ringed crane, the following notes should be made: - the colour and position of each ring in descending order; - the presence and position of a metal ring, which enables a crane to be identified if the code number is incomplete; - the data and time; - the place and department; - the age of the bird (adult or juvenile); - the environment (type of vegetation, etc…); - if the bird is accompanied or with a family group (families remain together during the autumn and occasionally until March) or possibly without any family connections; - the total number of cranes in the group; - any other useful information, for instance: range of observation, equipment used, or weather and light conditions. Send your data to your local branch of the LPO, which will pass on the information to the LPO Champagne-Ardenne, the national coordinating body. The data collected by the Crane Network France, provides an overview of the migratory route, which is illustrated on the map below. This season, 78 departments provided at least one recording of cranes, 35 of which totalled more than 10 days of observation: a remarkable record.

	Conception et réalisation : Emmanuel LE ROY Photos : Jean-Pierre FORMET
Postnuptial migration 2001 Wintering 2001-2002 Prenuptial migration 2002